Bulldog Buddies Essay

At Green Middle School, Bulldog Buddies prove what it truly means to be Bulldog Strong. This unique program was founded by special education teacher Amanda Gostlin as a way for students with special needs to develop meaningful relationships, gain self confidence, and experience fun activities with their typical peers. The group consists of seventh grade students who meet every Thursday during their one hour lunch and advisory period. These students eat lunch, play games, and hang out with the special needs students to develop friendships that last a lifetime. To become a Bulldog Buddy there is an application along with some requirements, the main one being character. Students that are compassionate, responsible, and mature make great Bulldog Buddy candidates. As for the students in Mrs. Gostlin’s class,
Former member Shareef Awadallah (8th grade), reflected on his time as a Bulldog Buddy. “My favorite part was playing games, watching movies, and having parties. I also really liked just making friends with all the kids.” He continues, “I learned that even though we may look, talk, or learn differently, we’re all the same on the inside.” Shareef is one of the many students who can agree that Bulldog Buddies is more than just a group that meets once a week, but they have became rather a family. Mrs. Gostlin agrees, “I think being in the Bulldog Buddies program helps all the students to become more well rounded. The students are fostering respect, dignity, and advocacy for their peers with disabilities.” Her advice for any school wanting to try a group like this is to go for it! She says that her students truly love seeing all their friends. Our culture at Green Middle School is to be accepting and kind to everyone. It is our job to include everyone, regardless of our physical or learning differences, and Bulldog Buddies exemplifies